Since the coup against Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh, violence has been unrelenting. Another tragic incident has emerged where an ISKCON temple near the India-Bangladesh border in Meherpur, a stronghold of Jamaat-e-Islami, was attacked. The mob set ablaze the Bhagavad Gita and also destroyed a harmonium inside the temple. It has been reported that the mob looted and set fire to the innermost sanctum of the temple.
Prabhu Ji, the temple's caretaker, stated that minorities were attacked. Around half-past five, a mob carrying petrol bombs and explosives attacked. Sixteen of us were in the temple at the time. Jewels and ancient scriptures were all set on fire. Donations amounting to approximately ten lakh taka (about 650,000 rupees) used for building the temple were stolen. A motorcycle kept in the temple property was also burnt.
Source: aajtak
Additionally, he mentioned that we had books that were over two hundred years old, which were also burnt. We used to serve Lord Jagannath at this place, but they looted him as well. Suddenly, the mob arrived and attacked the temple. All items and religious books in the temple were reduced to ashes. Followers are coming to the scene and are attempting to preserve whatever books are left.
It is worth noting that this ISKCON temple was operating out of a rented house while funds were being collected to build a separate temple.
'Concerns among Muslims...'
There is also an apprehension among Bangladeshi Muslims that their democratic nation may lose its identity as a Bengali-speaking country and turn into an Islamic state owing to pressure from extremists. Islam Mohammad from Dhaka told Aaj Tak that Bangladesh's identity lies with Bengali people where Hindus and Muslims coexist, but some want an Islamic state here, which we will resist.
Niaz, another businessman from Dhaka, echoed similar fears, noting that extremists have tarnished Bangladesh's image by assaulting Hindus under the guise of protests. Niaz stated that many Hindus live with us, and we are protecting them in these difficult times. Those who have wronged them are not our people. On August 5th, protestors targeted the headquarters of the Bangladesh Awami League Party, located just a short distance from the presidential palace in the VIP area of Dhaka.
Also Read: What is the current Hindu population in Bangladesh? How many have migrated since 1971? How many refugees are in India? Find out all answers
The absence of police amidst violence and arson
Although the fury has subsided in Bangladesh, the scars of violence and arson are still fresh. Karim Ul Haq, a supporter of the Awami League Party, told Aaj Tak that on the day of violence, miscreants not only ransacked the office but also looted goods worth millions. From Sheikh Hasina's room to the meeting halls and various parts of the building, either everything was burnt or destroyed.
Meanwhile, the streets of Bangladesh are devoid of police. The police headquarters in the heart of the city also stands deserted, now guarded by the Bangladesh Army. During the protests, stones were hurled at police personnel, and the headquarters was targeted, leaving fresh scars. On Sunday, a few policemen who had been hiding came out to protest outside the broken and deserted headquarters, wanting to return to their jobs.
One of these police officers, Karim, told Aaj Tak that the directive to take stringent action against protestors came from Sheikh Hasina's government and senior police officials. Karim mentioned that they followed their seniors' orders, due to which the public is now searching for police officials, forcing many to go underground or remain hidden. Reportedly, police stations in numerous regions across Bangladesh have been torched.
